The Search for a Perfect Foundation

It's been a yearlong search and I'm finally at my breaking point. I'm looking for the perfect foundation and I'm really hoping you guys can help me find my new HG.

About me...

+ Hormonal breakouts once a month

+ Fairly light skin that is difficult to match

+ Lives in a dry, desert environment

What I'm looking for...

+ Lightweight- medium foundation

+ Breathable but buildable

+ Provides a bit of a dewy finish

+ Pairs well with thicker concealer

+ Long-lasting (I tend to have 18+ hour days)

+ Does not cake on dry spots (but who does want that?)

Anyways- I know my list is a bit demanding, but if you have anything at least similar to that, please let me know! I've tried so many different foundations this past year, and I still haven't found my HG. So any and all input would be fantastic. ❤

Re: The Search for a Perfect Foundation

I've been using YSL illuminous (this is the name, I guess?). I think it answers mostly what you are looking for. Dewy finish (actually a bit of glowing healthy look) + buildable coverage. Light weight leaving your face feels soft and smooth. Comparatively hydrating. I wear it before class in the morning and it stays well before I go to bed at, say, midnight? So I think it's pretty long lasting. As for the color, you probably want to get a color match in store. BTW, i also has breakouts around my period, super annoying...

Re: The Search for a Perfect Foundation

I turned 40 this past year and have spent a fortune trying to find my HG foundation. After buying about 10 that didn't work out (I was to embarrassed to return them) I finally got smart and just started to get samples from Sephora. I am still on the hunt but the best ones from me have been Kat Von D, Bobbi Brown, and Laura Mercier.

Re: The Search for a Perfect Foundation

A few of my favorites that might fit your description are tarte's BB cream and 12 hour Amazonian clay foundation, Dior nude liquid foundation, Sephora microsmooth powder foundation, and for a drugstore option, Milani cream to powder foundation. All come in light shades, I am fair, and there are lighter shades available than the ones I use. Good luck on your search!

What it is:An innovative BB treatment with multiple skin care and makeup benefits in one eco-chic tube. What it is formulated to do:- This state-of-the-art BB cream offers numerous benefits for smooth, youthful-looking skin - Features SPF 30 sun pr

What it is: A long-lasting foundation powered by Amazonian clay. What it does: Get 12 hours of flawless coverage with this long-wearing, skin-perfecting formula with UVA/UVB SPF 15. It's full-coverage and supremely blendable and buildable form

What it is: A hydrating fluid foundation that delivers just the right amount of coverage to create a naturally flawless, bare-skin effect.What it does: Diorskin Nude boasts 100 percent natural active ingredients and an extended shade range to create

What it is:An ultra-light foundation that blends effortlessly for a natural look and feel. What it does:Flaunt a natural, picture-perfect look with these state-of-the-art face powders. The micronized, advance pigments blend seamlessly into the ski

Re: The Search for a Perfect Foundation

I actually looked into NARS Shewe Glow, but after trying out a few samples, I ended up with UD's Naked foundation. It doesn't quite give a dewy glow, but I love the coverage, buildability and finish of it.

Re: The Search for a Perfect Foundation

What about Nars Sheer Glow? It gives medium coverage that can be built up or sheered out, and it is a little bit dewy but won't make you oily at all. Just apply a moisturizer beforehand because it can drag a bit on dry spots, but I put on moisturizer anyways before I apply foundation so it really isn't a problem for me. But it doesn't look cakey at all, and works great with any concealer!

Re: The Search for a Perfect Foundation

Here are a few suggestions I have (note: I'm as pale as they come and have normal-sensitive skin that runs a bit dry during the winter, not oily. And I use three different concealers for different things every day.):

Marc Jacobs Genius Gel Foundation (I find it very buildable, dewy and lasts all day for me.)

For comparison, I've tried (and discarded) multiple MAC formulations, MUFE, and NARS within the past year, too. Bobbi Brown Alabaster is my HG- although I preferred the old formulation of the foundation if I'm being honest.

What it is: A breakthrough gel foundation that's antiaging, long-wearing, and awakens your skin to its ideal radiance and clarity. What it does: Erase the past, perfect the present, and protect the future. Formulated with lifestyle ingredients and

Re: The Search for a Perfect Foundation

Sorry to ruin you for less costly brands , but for my skin, there is nothing that compares to Koh Gen Do. Aqua Foundation (I'm guessing this is the one you should try first) or Moisture Foundation (trickier application but easy once you get it). I was about to switch to their MF after they just reformulated their AF, but I just couldn't give it up. I even went to Sephora this week and tried many other brands but KGD is still my stand out favorite.. Having said all that, if you have a lot to cover, and it sounds like you don't, it's probably way too light. I can't speak to it's lasting power though.

Re: The Search for a Perfect Foundation

I got the samples twice with orders, when you can pick the three choices. It blends perfectly and stays on really well. I used bare minerals for years and then tried one of the Hourglass ones, which I do like, but I like this one a lot more. There aren't a lot of color choices however, but the sample I got happened to work for me.

Re: The Search for a Perfect Foundation

I would suggest a BB cream like Boscia (comes in a small size for $18 so you could try it out). It last a long time and gives a sheer finish to your face but works on all skin tones. If you want more of a foundation, I am in love with Urban Decay's foundation. They have a good set on sale now that includes a BB cream as well.

Re: The Search for a Perfect Foundation

I also used bare minerals for a while, then I found it to be cakey after a few years. I went to sephora and did the skincare IQ and the girl brought me liquid and powder foundations to see what I liked best. I had dry sensitive skin, but i just turned 24 and have noticed my skin changing on me. It's more on the normal side now. anyway, I was so impressed with the Josie Maran matchmaker foundation (the liquid one). It squirts out white but as you blend it in, it literally matches your skin tone. For long days at work, I put the powder matchmaker on top the liquid and it lasts all day and feels like nothing is there. Excellent coverage. And if you're just running errands, you don't even need the liquid. Just put on some concealer and put the powder one on and you're good to go. Hope this helps.

Re: The Search for a Perfect Foundation

A low-maintenance sounds so lovely. Somedays I don't go out, but I do like to wear makeup for my husband. It's nice to have something low-key like concealer + powder for those days.

Is the Skincare IQ something you need to make an appointment for? The SA's at my local Sephora are usually rather busy, so if I do decide to go in for one of those, I'm not sure if I'd have to schedule it or just show up. And how long did it take you to do it?

Re: The Search for a Perfect Foundation

I walked into my sephora without an appointment. If someone approaches you, just tell them you're interested in the skincare IQ. She'll find out what foundations match you best; liquid, powder, etc. For everything, it took about a half hour. The skincare IQ is super quick, it just takes time to find that perfect foundation for you!

Re: The Search for a Perfect Foundation

Same here I was starting to feel embarrassed about returning foundations so I have waaaaay to many but Im always on the hunt for the next best thing. I received a little sample packet of this, and Im really loving it...at the moment it only available online doll